by Josslynne Welch, President, Litzky PR and member of Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment
With greater than three years for the reason that final in-person Toy Truthful in New York and the new Q3 timing, this 12 months’s occasion is rife with PR alternatives.
There’s nothing fairly like being on the present flooring collectively, connecting with previous buddies, and assembly new folks. In between the conferences and occasions, a number of the absolute best moments are these informal encounters within the aisles. Reap the benefits of them; don’t be shy about introducing (or reintroducing!) your self. As you community, be inclusive and open your circle.
Past our business neighborhood, Toy Truthful is a terrific alternative to attach with press and influencers. With so many members of the media and creators in attendance, you received’t have time to fulfill with all of them so take into consideration who you wish to prioritize and focus your efforts there. You’re one among many exhibitors who will probably be contacting every journalist, so be considerate about the way you have interaction and personalize your dialog.
Make a Plan
Earlier than you attain out, construct compelling tales round your manufacturers. This 12 months, exhibitors have the extra alternative to faucet into vacation protection in order you propose, take into consideration storytelling now via spring 2024. Familiarize your self with The Toy Association’s 2023 trends, learn up on holiday hot toy lists, and faucet into pop culture buzz. Examine your notes to your product strains and discover the connections, use them to spark curiosity and drive visitors to your sales space.
When you’ve confirmed an appointment, be sure to pull your themes and tales via to the dialog. Sure, you wish to speak about product options and advantages, however making your manufacturers well timed and related is vital to protection. Along with 2023 tendencies, take into account how your gadgets match into seasonal tales from class round-ups like finest dolls to themed collections resembling finest journey toys or stocking stuffers. And don’t neglect about reward lists targeted on particular folks resembling superhero followers and animal lovers or these lists based on price, from steals for savvy consumers to splurges for that one massive reward below the tree. Looking forward to 2024, take into consideration seasonal moments resembling rainy-day actions and out of doors enjoyable, evergreen themes like STEM/STEAM and collectibles, and large leisure moments together with premieres and anniversaries.
Along with mingling and assembly with shopper press, it’s vital to attach with business influentials. E book an appointment with The Toy Affiliation earlier than or through the present to preview your product. Schedule time with the trade outlets to tour them via your sales space.
Observe Up and Amplify Protection
When Toy Truthful is over and also you’re again at your desk, don’t neglect to comply with up with every of your media and creator visitors. Supply them further product info, a follow-up interview, or samples (don’t ship samples except you’ve confirmed they wish to obtain them!). In the event that they’ve already featured you in an article, section, or submit, be sure to thank them for the inclusion. And, use your social channels to amplify the protection.
Toy Truthful shines a lightweight on our business. Constructing a public relations technique round this second permits you to create neighborhood, connections, and finally protection. Inform playful, strategic tales, and have enjoyable!
